SEATTLE — Ken Griffey Jr. is returning to the Seattle Mariners as a special consultant less than a year after abruptly retiring from baseball.

The Mariners made the announcement on Tuesday morning.

Griffey’s role is still being defined, but he’ll be involved with the Mariners at spring training and the regular season, along with visiting most of the Mariners minor-league affiliates.

Team President Chuck Armstrong says that despite Griffey’s abrupt retirement last June when he simply issued a statement saying he was retiring, Griffey has been “steadfast in his desire to continue his relationship with the Mariners.”

Griffey is also expected to be involved with marketing, broadcasting and community relations.